~Cerebral Palsy in young children~

Sanibel Spirits · 02-20-2002, 04:51 PM

I was wondering how many people actually come to these health boards and read through the cerebral palsy section....Im still somewhat of a newcomer to the CP life....My 4 yr old daughter was diagnosed with it at the age of 7 months...Its not severe...but it's not very light... She can not walk or talk, or support her self in anyway what-so-ever....shes getting pretty good control over her head.. She's in a special school mon-fri...all therapies and certified teachers.. She's come a long way....Dr's said she wouldnt be doing much....shes doing a little more than what they expected...such as vocalizing...shaking her head yes/no when we ask her questions..mentally she seems to be very bright...but physically , thats our biggest obstacle...
All I know is that its getting very hard to deal with certain things...and also, I dont really know anyone who has CP...beside the children in her class and school. I just want to hear how everyone else is living and dealing with their own situations....I think its the most interesting thing....knowing what other people go through... Maybe some helpful tips on dealing with life...or anyhting that comes to your mind...

Thanks for your time...and i hope to hear from you all soon!
~Alyson~

TRV · 02-20-2002, 08:15 PM

Dear Alyson,
Although my Cerebral Palsy is very mild. I hope I can give you encouragement with your situation. I am 51 yrs old and have had a very productive life. I was told that I had Polio as a young child. It wasn't until I reached my fourties that I got the correct diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. I contacted the United Cerebral Palsy Association and was sent some very informative information about Cerebral Palsy. There is always hope. Your daughter can grow up and lead a productive life. It will take love and understanding on your part. Hang in there I think your child will surprise you. I am sure she will give you a lot of love in return. She might just surprise you. I send you my best wishes for you and your daughter.

Sanibel Spirits · 02-22-2002, 11:04 PM

Dear TRV,

Thank you very much for your encouragement. I appreciate hearing from other people who have CP. Im sure everything will be fine for us...We still have a ways to go....she's still very young... Thanks again

~Alyson~

[This message has been edited by Sanibel Spirits (edited 02-22-2002).]

clnordenhold · 02-27-2002, 12:20 AM

Dear Alyson:

I've just found this site and happened upon your message. I have a 6-yr old daughter with CP and she was diagnosed a her one year check-up. It's been a long road to say the least. She's not walking yet, her speak is totally intact!We have been doing physical and occupational therapy for the past 5 years and now it is time for surgery to step in. She is now being evaluated for hamstring lengthening and adductor releases. With this I am hoping she will be able to get on her feet and take off on her own. Do not let anyone defeat your dreams and expectations of your daughter. Educate yourself as much as possible! Knowledge is power and doctors sometimes don't like that! Sometimes the parent does know more than the doctor! One specialist told me not to let anyone tell me that she has cerebral palsy, it is just a term they use for stiff muscles! 3 months after that visit, her pediatrician told me she had mild cp! Is your daughter enrolled in any type of early intervention preschool? The week after my daughter turned 3 she was in school and this past September she was enrolled in regular kindergarten. Keep the faith and keep working with her. Don't ever give up! Good luck.

Larissa · 03-08-2002, 08:13 PM

Hi- I am a grade 8 student with cp and I was really lucky to have parents who supported me every day. I have a full life I am doing well in school I get honors in every subject and I take ballet lessons every week- I also bowl every Wednesday. Even though my right side was affected I can do all these things and more- I always participate in gym Broomball is my fave- I hope to become a teacher when I grow up- I hope I have encouraged you- do everything you can for your kid and you never know what will happen

Bye (a)